STAB HORROR
Girl, 11, stabbed in Leicester Square is Australian tourist on holiday with family
Girl may require plastic surgery and remains in hospital, court told
AN 11-year-old girl stabbed in Leicester Square is an Australian tourist on holiday with family.
The schoolgirl will need plastic surgery after she was allegedly put in a headlock and knifed eight times in a random attack in the square.
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The girl from New South Wales was left with injuries to the face, shoulder, wrist and neck, the reports.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the girl's family is receiving consular assistance.
Ioan Pintaru, 32, is accused of attacking the 11-year-old, who was visiting London with her mum, yesterday in Leicester Square.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with attempted murder.
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Pintaru is also accused of possession of a bladed article in a public place, which the court heard was a steak knife.
The court was told Pintaru allegedly put the girl in a headlock before stabbing her eight times.
Hero passers-by came to the girl's aid, which prevented any further injury, it was said.
She suffered wounds to her face, shoulder, wrist and neck area during the horror.
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The girl remains in hospital and is believed to require plastic surgery for her injuries.
Pintaru, who is a Romanian citizen and used a translator, spoke only when asked his name, date of birth and address.
He was remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on September 10.
The horror unfolded in the bustling tourist hotspot at around 11.34am on Monday.
The girl's mum, 34, was initially thought to have also been hurt but blood from her daughter's injuries was mistaken for her own.
Police said the suspect was not known to either of the victims and the stabbing is not currently being treated as terror-related.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, in charge of policing for Westminster, said: "This is a horrific incident and our thoughts are with the victims and their family.
"We will continue to provide support to them over the coming days and weeks.
"I would like to pay tribute to the members of the public, including staff from local businesses, who bravely intervened in this incident.
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"They put themselves at risk and showed the best of London in doing so.
"An urgent investigation is now ongoing and detectives are working to establish the details around exactly what happened."
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